12 Best Pre-College Summer Camps for Middle School Students

Summer break is a golden opportunity for middle schoolers to pursue their passions, gain new skills, and experience the joy of learning in an engaging environment. Pre-college summer camps offer young students exposure to academic, artistic, and technological fields while fostering personal growth and building lifelong friendships. Here’s a detailed look at 12 outstanding summer camps tailored for middle schoolers.

1. iD Tech Camps

Focus: Technology, coding, game design, robotics, AI
Location: Campuses like MIT, Stanford, and NYU

iD Tech Camps are ideal for tech-savvy middle schoolers eager to explore coding, robotics, and game design. Programs are project-based and interactive, giving students hands-on experience with real-world tools like Python, Java, and Unity. Beyond technical skills, students gain problem-solving abilities and collaborate on exciting projects, such as developing games or programming robots. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention from industry-experienced instructors.

• Highlight: Held at top universities, giving students a taste of campus life.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students interested in STEM careers.

2. Explo at Yale

Focus: Science, arts, humanities, interdisciplinary studies
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

Explo at Yale offers a broad range of courses that encourage exploration and creativity. Students can choose from classes like forensic science, creative writing, filmmaking, and even culinary arts. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with interactive projects and workshops that make complex concepts accessible and engaging. Beyond academics, Explo fosters a strong sense of community through daily activities, social events, and field trips.

• Highlight: Flexible course selection tailored to individual interests.
• Duration: 2-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Curious learners who enjoy variety and creativity.

3. Summer Discovery

Focus: Business, fashion, engineering, leadership
Location: Universities like UCLA, Georgetown, and Michigan

Summer Discovery combines academic rigor with fun extracurricular activities. Middle schoolers can explore topics like business fundamentals, fashion design, or engineering while participating in leadership-building exercises. With professional instructors and engaging curricula, students develop valuable skills while enjoying campus life. Recreational activities, such as campus tours and evening events, make the program well-rounded and enjoyable.

• Highlight: Real-world learning opportunities, like pitching business ideas or designing clothing.
• Duration: 2-6 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students looking for a mix of academics and extracurricular fun.

4. Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs

Focus: Cooking, fashion, sports management, leadership
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Julian Krinsky Camps offer a variety of unique programs that cater to niche interests. Students can learn to cook gourmet meals, dive into the world of fashion design, or explore sports management careers. The camp’s immersive approach combines hands-on activities with expert-led workshops, allowing students to gain real-world insights into their chosen fields. The Philadelphia setting adds cultural enrichment through local trips and events.

• Highlight: Access to specialized instructors and industry professionals.
• Duration: 1-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students interested in hands-on creative or career-oriented experiences.

5. Emagination Tech Camps

Focus: Coding, game design, digital art, robotics
Location: Campuses nationwide

Emagination Tech Camps blend STEM education with fun, allowing students to explore technology in a supportive and engaging environment. Programs include coding in languages like Python and Java, game design using Unity, and robotics challenges. With an emphasis on creativity and teamwork, students work on projects that integrate digital and engineering skills. Weekend activities and social events enhance the camp experience.

• Highlight: Combines technical skill-building with creative exploration.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Middle schoolers passionate about technology and design.

6. LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program

Focus: Business, leadership, innovation
Location: Online and select campuses

For aspiring entrepreneurs, LaunchX offers a dynamic program where students learn to build and pitch their own business ideas. Middle school participants develop skills in market research, product design, and financial planning while collaborating with peers to create a startup. The program includes mentorship from industry experts and culminates in a pitch competition judged by professionals.

• Highlight: Real-world entrepreneurship training with professional feedback.
• Duration: 3-4 weeks.
• Ideal for: Future business leaders and innovators.

7. Blueprint Signature Camps

Focus: Medicine, engineering, architecture
Location: College campuses across the U.S.

Blueprint Signature Camps offer hands-on learning experiences in fields like medicine, engineering, and architecture. Students engage in activities such as building models, solving medical case studies, or designing structures. The program also incorporates college readiness workshops, giving middle schoolers an early glimpse into higher education and professional careers.

• Highlight: Combines academic learning with career exploration.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students interested in specialized academic fields.

8. SOCAPA Summer Camps

Focus: Filmmaking, photography, music
Location: New York City, Los Angeles, Vermont

SOCAPA offers arts-focused programs that let middle schoolers explore their creative talents. Whether it’s directing a short film, composing music, or perfecting photography techniques, students receive professional-level training. With access to industry-grade equipment and expert mentorship, SOCAPA fosters creativity and confidence.

• Highlight: Immersive arts programs in culturally rich locations.
• Duration: 1-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Creative students passionate about the arts.

9. COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science)

Focus: Advanced STEM topics
Location: California universities

COSMOS is a rigorous STEM program for students excelling in math and science. Participants engage in advanced coursework in topics like biotechnology, astrophysics, and computer science. Students work closely with university faculty on research projects, gaining invaluable academic and practical experience.

• Highlight: Research-based learning with top-tier faculty.
• Duration: 4 weeks.
• Ideal for: High-achieving STEM students seeking academic challenges.

10. Appel Farm Arts Camp

Focus: Visual and performing arts
Location: Elmer, NJ

Appel Farm offers a nurturing environment where middle schoolers can explore their creativity through classes in painting, theater, dance, and music. The camp emphasizes self-expression and community, with daily performances and collaborative projects. Students leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the arts.

• Highlight: Focus on building confidence and artistic skills.
• Duration: 2-4 weeks.
• Ideal for: Creative students seeking a supportive arts-focused camp.

11. EXPLO at Wellesley

Focus: STEM, arts, and humanities
Location: Wellesley College, MA

EXPLO at Wellesley offers a diverse range of courses, from engineering and robotics to creative writing and psychology. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning and hands-on projects. With access to Wellesley’s beautiful campus, students enjoy both academic enrichment and fun outdoor activities.

• Highlight: Encourages exploration across multiple disciplines.
• Duration: 2-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students curious about STEM and liberal arts.

12. EXPLORE (Extended Pre-College Learning Options)

Focus: STEM, business, liberal arts
Location: Universities across the U.S.

EXPLORE’s diverse programs include everything from marine biology to digital entrepreneurship. Middle schoolers engage in hands-on experiments, case studies, and fieldwork, making learning fun and impactful. The program also integrates leadership and team-building activities.

• Highlight: Comprehensive programs tailored to individual interests.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students eager to combine academics with leadership development.

Making the Most of Your Summer

Pre-college summer camps offer middle school students a unique opportunity to explore their passions, build skills, and make lasting connections. Whether your interests lie in technology, arts, or leadership, these programs provide a supportive environment to foster growth and curiosity. Find a camp that aligns with your goals, and embark on an unforgettable summer experience!